Dietetic Directions Blog

May 13, 2013

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance. What’s the Difference?

In honour of Food Allergy Awareness month, I will address a very common question. You may have asked yourself, what is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance? These terms have important differences and must not be used interchangeably. What's the difference between a food allergy and food intolerance? Click To Tweet What is a Food Allergy? Food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system responds negatively to a specific food (known as the ‘allergen’). The offending food is not necessarily harmful, as other people may be able to eat the food without reacting. However, for those with food allergies, their immune system attacks the unwanted ‘allergen’ causing an immediate and possibly severe reaction. Prevalence: It is estimated by Health Canada that 5-6% of young...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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May 8, 2013

Blog

The Low FODMAP diet?

The Low FODMAP diet is an emerging, scientifically proven and very promising diet for those suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Common symptoms of IBS include: abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits. The frustration is that there is usually no clear food-symptom link. Suffer from IBS? Try the low FODMAP diet! Click To Tweet The Low FODMAP diet originated in Australia, and research shows that 3 out of 4 people find tremendous success on this lifelong diet. The FODMAP diet is complex and should be implemented using a knowledgable Dietitian who is familiar with FODMAPs. Your dietitian can assist you in adapting your diet to be low in FODMAPs and nutritionally balanced. What is a FODMAP? FODMAP is an acronym that stands for Fermentable Oligo-saccharides, Di-saccharides, Mono-saccharides and...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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May 2, 2013

Blog

Happy Celiac Awareness Month!

May 1st marked the start of Celiac Awareness Month! Celiac disease is a form of food allergy where the body’s immune system reacts negatively to gluten (protein in wheat, rye, barley) causing severe damage to the small intestine. There are many nutritional implications since the ingestion of gluten decreases the absorption of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are all vital for health! A strict gluten free diet is REQUIRED for management of celiac disease and label reading is necessary every time! What is the prevalence of Celiac Disease? Click To Tweet How prevalent is Celiac Disease? Celiac disease affects an estimated 1 in 133. Rates of celiac disease have nearly doubled in the last 25 years in western countries. The risk for developing celiac disease is increased 20 times for those who have a 1st...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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April 25, 2013

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How much coffee is too much?

Welcome to part two of my blog series on coffee and caffeine. This topic has been inspired by many of my clients in private practice who have expressed legitimate concern wondering if they drink too much coffee. Therefore, today we will delve into Health Canada recommendations for daily caffeine limit and I will breakdown the caffeine content in common beverages! Health Canada daily caffeine recommendations Click To Tweet How much Caffeine is Safe to Consume? Much research has been done on the health effects of coffee and the consensus has been reached that ‘when consumed in moderation’, there do not appear to be adverse affects to our overall health. In fact, as discussed in my previous post, there appear...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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April 23, 2013

Blog

Crazy for Coffee?

I am writing this blog with sunlight streaming in and a piping hot coffee in hand. If you are also a fan of coffee, one of the most popular beverages in the world, you may already be familiar with the noted health benefits or you may have sat puzzled when news stories raised concern for its possible negative effects. Today, I will explore the impact of coffee on our health! Stay tuned for my next posting where I will breakdown how much caffeine per day and the amounts in different beverages. Coffee 101: Caffeine has been consumed for thousands of years as a stimulant and can be found in common beverages like coffee, tea, soft...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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April 11, 2013

Blog

Eggs, Should we Skip the Yolk?

In effort to cut down on total calories and total fat, it is not uncommon for ‘health-conscious’ consumers to forgo their yellow yolks and instead opt for merely the egg whites. Have you ever wondered if this is actually an advantageous practice for cholesterol lowering? Today, I will explore the 'whole egg truth'.

First Let’s Compare:

Egg (large)
Calories (kcal)
Protein (grams)
Saturated 'BAD' Fat (grams)
Cholesterol (mg)
Vitamins, Minerals

Whole Egg
74
6
1.7
186
folate, choline, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and healthy fatty acids

Egg Yolk ONLY
58
3
1.7
186
folate, choline, vitamin A, riboflavin, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and healthy fatty acids

Egg Whites
16
3
0
0
Trace amounts

It is true that skipping the...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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April 2, 2013

Blog

Interested in Cooking with Tofu?

Would you like to add tofu to the menu but are unsure how? Today, we will explore the tremendous versatility or ‘chameleon qualities’ of tofu along with its nutritional profile. First, we must define tofu. Tofu is made from soybeans, water and a curdling agent that is used to extract the solid proteins before it is pressed into a block. Tofu has origins in China dating back approximately 2,000 years! Tofu is extremely popular in vegetarian cooking and comes in two main kinds: soft or silken tofu and firm or regular tofu. Want to learn how to cook with tofu? Look no further! Click To Tweet Notes on Preparing Tofu: Tofu can be found in the produce section of the grocery store Before cooking with tofu, drain off as...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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March 25, 2013

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Red Wine Health Benefits

Have you heard through the ‘grape vine’ that red wine is heart healthy? Well, this may be attributed to a type of naturally occurring antioxidant (aka polyphenol) called resveratrol. Today we will explore resveratrol, how it works along with the possible health benefits! Did you know that red wine is heart healthy? Click To Tweet What is Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a type of antioxidant that is found in the skin of red grapes. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wine since red wine is fermented in grape skins for longer periods. Resveratrol can be found in other foods as well such as grapes, peanuts, cranberries, blueberries and grape juice. Health Benefits of Red Wine: Resveratrol appears to protect the lining of blood vessels by preventing plaque build-up, this decreases the...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

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March 11, 2013

Blog

Inulin causing Gas or Bloating?

This is a follow-up to my previous blog post entitled, the Scoop on Inulin. We have already discussed how inulin is a type of fibre that many food manufactures use to achieve a “high fibre”claim on their products. Today, I will delve into how inulin works in the body and why some people experience symptoms of intolerance (ie. gas, bloating, stomach pain or diarrhea). What is inulin and why do some people experience intolerance from it? Click To Tweet How inulin works in the body: Upon ingestion of inulin, this type of fibre moves through the body undigested (like other fibres) and into the large intestine where it is fermented by your intestinal bacteria. This is why inulin is...

by Andrea D’Ambrosio, RD

0 Comments

Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance. What’s the Difference?

The Low FODMAP diet?

Happy Celiac Awareness Month!

How much coffee is too much?

Crazy for Coffee?

Eggs, Should we Skip the Yolk?

Interested in Cooking with Tofu?

Red Wine Health Benefits

Inulin causing Gas or Bloating?

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